Upcoming 2019 LCMGA Activities

For Monthly Meetings & Programs see "Public Programs". ​

2019 Spring Mulch FundraiserSaturdays, March 9, 23 & 30 and April 6 & 27. 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Bring your truck and we will load it with your choice of coarse and/or fine mulch. This fundraiser is a popular product offered to our MGs, Friends & to the public. If weather is rainy, date will be rescheduled. Location: Lawrence Farm, 3327 Moore's Mill Road, Auburn. (1 mile east of Publix on the left)Effort led by Steve & Carol Carter, 334-332-6100

Auburn City FestSaturday, April 27, Kiesel Park, Auburn. MGs participate in this huge annual event. Fun for all! MG Volunteers accepted for various three hour shifts.Effort led by Debbie Murphy, 850-240-2632 or djmurphy915@yahoo.com

Opelika Garden in the Park Saturday, May 4, Opelika Municipal Park, Opelika. MGs participate in this annual event. Another fun day for all! MG Volunteers accepted.Effort led by Susan Parker​Cahaba Lilies Canoe TripTBA in May. On this day trip we will see these rare and beautiful lilies.Contact: Ronda Hardgrave

AMGA 2019 Annual State ConferenceMay 8-10. Presented by the Chilton County, Autauga County and Shelby County MG Associations at the Clanton Performing Arts Center in Clanton, AL. Check out the details on alabamamg.org.

Visit to Hills and DalesTBA in September, LaGrange, GA. For this day trip we will visit the gardens as well as participate in an on site workshop, possibly in flower arranging. Lunch will be provided at The Taste of Lemon which serves southern comfort food in an historic downtown LaGrange church. Cost: TBD

Ironing Board Garden PartyTBA in October, MG Becky Large's garden. Each participant brings and decorates an ironing board for a dinner party for two. This idea was so much fun in the past. If you are not feeling creative, you may attend the social and bring an appetizer to share. Contact: Becky Large

Upcoming 2020 LCMGA Activities2020 LCMGA Garden TourSaturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17, see select Gardens in the Lee County area! Every MG, Friend & Intern plan to work this weekend!Invite your family, friends, & neighbors to help us host this delightful biennial fundraiser and one of Lee County's most exciting & delightful events.​Project Leads: Julia Freeman & Jan Holt

Past 2019 Activities

LCMGA Native Azalea FundraiserSaturday, April 13, 9:00 AM - Noon, at the Dean Road Recreatiion Center on Dean Rd in Auburn. We will have approximately 400 Azaleas of various colors and species available for purchase. The Public is Welcome.Effort led by Dennis Pinkard, pinkardd@charter.net, 334-332-8773

Tour of Jim Scott's GardenWednesday, April 17, Lake Martin area. Sign-up will be at the April business meeting. Contact: Pat Giordono​Opelika Home & Garden ShowSaturday, March 30, 9:00-3:00 at the Village Event Center, Opelika. (Note change in location this year.) LCMGA will participate in this public event with a booth assisting with the public's horticultural needs and displayiing information about our association. Any monetary or canned foods donations that result from this event will be presented to those affected by the March 2018 tornadoes and the Food Bank of East AL. Volunteers welcome.Effort led by Raleine Sillman, raleinemg2012@gmail.com, 334-663-1948.

​Soaps and Lotions with Essential OilsFebruary 12, Tuesday, at ACES, Opelika. Facilitated by Norma Willock, Doterra Essential Oils representative. Each participant will have the opportunity to make one soap and one lotion to take home. In addition, Norma will tell us how essential oils are derived from various plants and be giving us the recipes for making our own soaps and lotions at home. Cost $15 per person. Register by Feb. 6.Contact: Cathy Shepherd

Bill Shell's 11th Annual Japanese Maple Grafting PartyFebruary 16, Saturday, at Bill Shell's home, Auburn. Anyone wanting to attend give him a call. You will take home the plant you graft! No cost.

Tour of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Birmingham Nursery VisitMarch 19, Tuesday. Day trip to tour & have lunch at the Gardens. Then visit a nursery in Birmingham. Contact: Linda Nowlin​Earth Friends GatheringJanuary 30, 2:00 PM. MGs & Friends will meet to share ideas on adopting more earth friendly and sustainable routines in our own lives and garden practices. Meet in the back room of ONE BIKE COFFEE, 2415 Moore's Mill Rd (corner of Hamilton Rd & Moore's Mill Rd at Publix). Contact: Charlot Ritenbaugh

"Hands On" Pruning WorkshopJanuary 31, 10am-noon, MG Nancy Golson's garden. Presented by Patrick Thompson, Arboretum Specialist with the Donald E. Davis Areboretum. The Golsons have many mature shrubs and ornamentals that we will prune. In addition, MG Gene Galloway will be demonstrating how to sharpen our garden tools. Dress for the weather. No fee. Contact: Linda Lee

Gene Galloway, MG, demonstrating tool sharpening.

Patrick Thompson from the Arboretum shows us how to properly prune a maple tree.

Past 2018 Programs​​Grafting WorkshopSaturday, February 17 at Dr. Bill Shell's home located at 130 Deer Run Road, Auburn.Contact the Lee County Extension Office for details & sign up at 334-749-3353.

Master Gardener Helpline Refresher Training SessionWednesday, February 21, 9:00-11:00 AM at the Lee County Extension Office, Opelika. Presented for any Lee County Master Gardener who would like to get current on the operation of the Helpline. Mallory and Dani will be present, and we will try to have enough computers for all attendees.Contact: Gene Galloway, ggalloway4813@charter.net

Spring Mulch FundraiserHeld February & March 2018. See above for UPCOMING 2019 dates. Bring your truck and we will load it with your choice of coarse and fine mulch. This fundraiser is a popular product offered to our MGs, Friends & to the public. Volunteers welcome.Effort led by Steve & Carol Carter, 334-332-6100

Assist Kiwanis with Azalea SaleSaturday, March 2, 3 & 4 at Ace Hardware located on East University (across from the Mall), Auburn. Members and friends will assist the Kiwanis in helping the public select the right plant for the right place, promote LCMGA, advertise the 2018 Garden Tour, and distribute information & soil test kit. Volunteers will work in shifts to cover Friday 9:00-5:00, Saturday 10:00-5:00 and, if needed Sunday 10:00-3:00. Volunteers welcome.Effort led by Steve Carter, 334-332-6100

Fit as a Fiddle FairSaturday, March 3, 9:00-1:00, at the Harris Center on Dean Road, Auburn. LCMGA will participate in this public event with a booth displaying information about our association. Volunteers welcome.Effort led by Jim Disque.

Opelika Home & Garden ShowSaturday, March 24, 8:00-1:30 at the Opelika Event Center, downtown Opelika. LCMGA will participate in this public event with a booth displaying information about our association, including the 2018 Garden Tour. Volunteers welcome.Effort led by Raleine Sillman, raleinemg2012@gmail.com, 334-663-1948.

Field Trip to Petals from the PastTour of the gardens, especially the Native Plant area included. $12 includes lunch. See carpool details in New Weeds.

2018 LCMGA Garden TourSaturday, May 19 & Sunday, May 20, see select Gardens in the Lee County area! Every MG, Friend & Internplan to work this weekend!Invite your family, friends, & neighbors to help us host this delightful biennial fundraiser and one of​Lee County's most exciting & delightful events.

Hands-On Drip Irrigation ClassThursday, August 16, 9 AM to Noon. Sponsored by AL Extension, OGrows and the 2018 LCMGA Intern Class. Location: Opelika Grows, 1103 Glenn Street, Opelika. Attendees can gain hands-on knowledge about the parts and pieces of a system. The class will put together a simple vegetable garden irrigation system. Dress accordingly. There is no charge, but register by calling 334-749-3353 or go to the Extension Office, 600 S 7th St in Opelika.

Visit a Master Gardener's Garden - open to LCMGA Members & LCMGA Friends & their guests Monday, July 30, 5:00 PM. Visit Jim Disque's garden to socialize and get new ideas. Lemonade or tea will be served, or bring your own.Hard rain or thunderstorms will cancel the event. Other gardens will be offered most likely in Spring 2019.RSVP to Cathy Shepard at 334-734-0688 or chattycathys@bellsouth.net if you plan to join us.

Two Part Workshop - Five Plant GardensWednesday, August 15 & 29, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Location to be determined - watch for announcement in a future New Weeds.Nancy Ondra, professional gardener and author of numerous gardening books will discuss tantalizing ideas for your garden. Attend one or both workshops.

Visit a Master Gardener's Garden - open to LCMGA Members & LCMGA Friends & their guestsTuesday, August 7th, 5:00 PM. Visit Jeannie Estrada's garden to socialize and get new ideas. Lemonade or tea will be served, or bring your own.Hard rain or thunderstorms will cancel the event. Other gardens will be offered most likely in Spring 2019.RSVP to Cathy Shepard at 334-734-0688 or chattycathys@bellsouth.net if you plan to join us.

Fall Mulch FundraiserHeld October 2018. See above for UPCOMING 2019 Dates. Bring your truck and we will load it with your choice of coarse and fine mulch. This fundraiser offers a popular product to MGs, Friends & to the public. Volunteers welcome. Next mulch fundraiser will be in Spring 2019.Effort led by Steve & Carol Carter, 334-332-6100

LCMGA Co-Host Auburn-Opelika Wine TrailFriday, October 19th, 8:00 AM -- Tour Five Points Farm, Hodges Vineyard & Winery and Whipporwill Vineyards. Meet at the Fairgrounds, 2316-2358 Lafayette Pkwy, Opelika, AL and arrive back at the fairgrounds 4:00ish. Open to the public. Tickets are required (Includes transportation & Lunch) and are available at AOTOURISM.COM/WINETRAIL. For more information contact Tara at the Lee County Ext Office at 334-749-3353 or barrtar@aces.edu. MGs will assist with Tara's local wine tour to three vineyards. Tickets available to the public. Watch for details.​Pioneer Day, Loachapoka, ALSaturday, October 20th, 7:00-3:00 PM. This event has replaced the former Syrup Sopping Day. Master Gardeners will volunteer for the Lee County Historical Association and be available at one of our LCMGA demonstration gardens, Grandma's Garden. Volunteers are needed throughout the day to host stations outside and in the building.

Gourd Bowl Making WorkshopThursday, November 1st, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Tom Westmoreland will demonstrate how he turns a gourd into a beautiful bowl and lead us in making a bowl. He'll share the steps, furnish your gourd and provide the necessary materials. Light snacks & beverages will be included. Please wear old clothes. Open to MGs & Friends ONLY, and is limited to 12 attendees. Contact Becky Large by Oct 10th at large_becky@yahoo.com. Cost is $20. Location: ACES

School Tree PlantingsThursday & Friday, November 15-16. Master Gardeners will begin plantings of native trees at schools in the Smith Station and Beulah areas. Plan to plant 7-15 gallon size trees (no digging required) and instruct school children on every step of the plantings.​Contact Gene Galloway or refer to Weeds for more details.

Partnering with the Auburn Preservation League's Loveliest Village Christmas TourSaturday, December 8th, 10 AM - 4 PM & Sunday, December 9th, 1-4 PM. Let's help this local association with their annual fundraising event. If interested in volunteering, contact Tamara Buford at 334-744-0224 or tamyrabuford@gmail.com.

​Past 2017 Programs

Partnering with the Auburn Preservation League's Loveliest Village Christmas TourMGs help this local association with their annual fundraising event. If interested in volunteering, contact Tamara Buford at 334-744-0224 or tamyrabuford@gmail.com.

Kelly Haynes Memorial Plantings Saturday, November 4th, 9 AM & Tuesday, November 14th, 8 AM. Members and Friends are invited to plant perennials andoakleaf hydrangas in remembrance of Kelly, MG Class of 2010.Location: Caroline Dean Wildflower Trail at Opelika Municipal Park. In the event of rain, the effort will be rescheduled.Event led by Master Gardener, Billie Oliver. Contact her at billieoliver@gmail.com with questions.

LCMGA Fall Photo Contest Two divisions: 1) Fall flowers & 2) Fall colors in the landscapeDeadline is November 20th. Refer to Oct 23rd "Weeds Newsletter" for submittal requirements.Effort led by David PetersonField Trip to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens & Christmas LightsWednesday, November 29-30. Plan to go to dinner & then spend the night at the Atlanta Regency, Midtown. Room cost $159 (Includes dinner & breakfast). This event was quite a pleasure last year! Deadline to sign up is November 1st. Please see Oct 23rd "Weeds Newsletter" for reservation info.Effort led by Master Gardener, Cathy Shepard. Contact her at 334-887-0939 or 334-734-0688.Partnering with the Auburn Preservation League's Loveliest Village Christmas TourSaturday, December 9th, 10 AM -4 PM and Sunday, December 10th, 1-4 PM. Let's help this local association with their annualfundraising event. Volunteers will receive a free ticket to the tour. Please see Oct 23rd "Weeds Newsletter" for signup info.Effort led by Master Gardener, Susan Price. Contact her at prcsmp@aol.com to volunteer.

LCMGA Mulch FundraiserVolunteers are holding a Fall community mulch sale. Numerous Saturdays are scheduled & several types of decomposed mulch are available. Bring your truck & we load. Please refer to "Weeds Newsletter" for dates and prices. Effort led by Master Gardeners, Carol and Steve Carter

Field Trip to Petals to the Past for Program entitled "Natives for Fall Planting"Thursday, October 26. Plan to leave at 8:30 via carpool if desired for 10 a.m. program.Tour, lecture and box lunch $15. Sign up by September 6th. Deadline to pay is October 4th. Friends and Spouses are invited. Please see Aug 7th "Weeds Newsletter" for reservation info.Effort led by Master Gardener, Cathy Shepard

Free Workshop on Drip Irrigation & Low Voltage LightingTuesday, June 20, 6:00 - 8:00 PMJoin us at the Kiesel Park Pavilion (near our Demonstration Garden, next to the Nunn-Winston House) for hands-on demonstrationon two important areas of gardening. No experience or pre-registration required.Community Effort led by Master Gardener, Steve Crannell and Co-owner of the Potting Shed, Heath Davis

Twilight Trilogy Garden Tour--This was a new event!Tuesday, May 9th, 5:30 - 9:00 PMJoin us for our 1st evening garden tour - You will visit 3 distinctly different gardens!Moonlit Southern Charm - Relax and cherish the memorabilia.Under the Tuscan Moon - Imagine visiting a Villa in Italy.Caribbean Delight by Starlight - See lush ornamental plants with a tropical surprise.​Tickets are required and cost $30 each.Ticket includes admission to all gardens, delicious food catered by Ursula's (in the theme of each garden) & drinks.Obtain tickets & additional information from any Lee County Master Gardener or Pat at 334-329-7099.Ticket Sales will be limited to 240 maximum, so please make your plans early.

Azalea Photo Contest - Click to see Winners!Entries must be submitted by April 29th.Effort led by David Peterson

Native Azalea Tours at the Arboretum4:00 PM, Wednesdays in March & April during blooming.Community Effort led by Master Gardener Patrick Thompson

Master Gardener Mulch Fundraiser Saturdays, March 11th & 25th, and April 22nd, 9 AM -1 PM Lawrence Farm at 3327 Moore's Mill Road, Auburn, AL (One mile east of Publix on the left).The pine bark, purchased from a local lumber mill, is excellent as a soil amendment or topdressing.It has been composting for the past year and costs $25/$35 per cubic yard for fine & coarse pine bark mulch.A front-end loader will load your truck or trailer and there will be MGs available to answer any questions.If rain on Saturday the fundraiser will be rescheduled. Cash or checks only please.​Fundraising effort led by Master Gardener Steve Carter ​​

Lee County Master Gardeners Association Native Plant Fundraiser Saturday, April 8th, 9 AM - 1 PMDean Road Recreation Center, 307 S. Dean Road, Auburn, AL.Native azaleas and companion plants from Garden Delights, Pine Mtn, GA will be available for sale to the public. We are expecting increased inventory this year. Plants will be sorted by species for easy identification and selection.This event is intended to educate gardeners on the benefits of landscaping with native plants that requireless care & maintenance and contribute to a healthy ecosysytem. Earnest Koone, owner and one of the South's bestknown native azalea growers will be present as well as Master Gardeners to answer questions.Cash, Checks & Credit Card accepted. Loading assistance will be available.Fundraising Effort led by Master Gardener Dennis Pinkard

​Hypertufa WorkshopStart on Friday, April 7th & finish on Saturday, April 8thLee County Extension Office. Sign up required because attendance is limited.Day 1 includes forming your hypertufa, and Day 2 includes removing the hardened hyperfufa from its mold.Educational Effort led by Master Gardener Tomie Dugas

Pizza Party for Help Line Volunteers - March 7th, 12:30 PM, Lee County Extension Office in Opelika.​Also, Mallory Kelley will present information on Plant Detecting and give a Help Line Tutorial.Contact Master Gardener Gene Galloway

MGs assist Kiwanis Club with their plant sale - March 3rd, 4th & 5th.​Volunteers to hand out soil sample information and demonstrate how to plant azaleas.Master Gardener Lead - Steve Carter

Past 2016 Programs

Auburn City Fest - Saturday, April 30th, 9am-4pm, Rain or ShineKiesel Park, AuburnVisit us at our vendor booth for general information about the Lee County Master Gardeners Association, Class Availability and Gardening.You may also purchase 2016 Garden Tour tickets.----------Guided Arbor Day Walking Tour of Historic Tree Trail - Friday, April 29th, 11:30amMeet at the pavilion at Town Creek Park, Auburn Led by Jim Shephard, Professor of Forestry & Wildlife Sci Admin----------LCMGA Garden Tour Launch Party - Sunday, May 1st, 4-7pmThis event is listed for 2016 Garden Owners, Members and MG Friends (and their spouse/friend) ONLYKiesel Park & Nunn Winston House, AuburnWe will kick-off our exciting 2016 Garden Tour with an RSVP catered event by Ursula's Catering. Contact Pat for more information at 334-329-7099.----------11th Annual Garden in the Park, May 7th, 8am-3pmOpelika Municipal Park, OpelikaVisit us at our vendor booth for general information about the Lee County Master Gardeners Association, Class Availability and Gardening.You may also purchase 2016 Garden Tour tickets.----------Main Event: Lee County Master Gardeners Association's Biennial Garden TourSaturday, May 14th, 10am - 5pm and Sunday, May 15th, 1pm - 5pmSelected gardens in the Lee County area -- see this website for ticket information.Get inspired by these unique local gardens!

Lee County Master Gardeners Association's Native Azalea Plant Sale, Saturday, April 2nd, 9am until ...Dean Road Recreation Center, AuburnCome early for the best selection of native azaleas to plant on your property. You may also purchase 2016 Garden Tour tickets.----------Opelika Home & Garden Show - Saturday, April 9th, 9am-1pm614 N Railroad Avenue, OpelikaPresented by the Opelika-Auburn News and Bottling Plant Event Center. Event Phone #334-749-6271Visit us at our vendor booth for general information about the Lee County Master Gardeners Association, Class Availability and Gardening.You may also purchase 2016 Garden Tour tickets.---------